Bordeaux's Wine Quarter: A Chartrons Walking Tour
Buy for a Group
Reviews
About the Tour
About the Tour
Bordeaux's Chartrons district was built on wine, shaped by foreign merchants, and still carries the traces of that history in almost every street. On this walking tour, you'll hear how Dutch, Irish, and English traders transformed a riverside monastery into one of Europe's most influential wine-trading quarters. You'll also discover how the people who settled here left behind a neighborhood full of remarkable buildings, unusual stories, and a few surprises.
The tour starts at Place des Quinconces, one of Europe's largest squares, built on the site of a fortress destroyed after the French Revolution. From there, you'll walk along the Garonne River and into the heart of Chartrons, past the Bourse Maritime where merchants once negotiated great wine deals, and along Cours Xavier-Arnozan, lined with the elegant townhouses of 18th-century négociants. You'll turn onto Rue Notre-Dame, Bordeaux's antiques street, with over 40 shops along its 700 metres.
Along the way, you'll pass a Moorish-style building that was once one of France's most luxurious hammams, and reach the Halle des Chartrons, a covered market that today buzzes with restaurants and bars. You'll stop at the city's oldest bakery, Au Pétrin Moissagais, where a wood-fired oven built under Louis XV still bakes bread every day. We ll see the real Statue of Liberty, smaller size than in New York. Passing by two main wine museums of the region. The tour ends at Hangar 14, a converted port warehouse on the Garonne, where you can see the curve of the river that earned Bordeaux its nickname, Port of the Moon.
On this 40-minute tour, you'll have a chance to:
- Spot the Hôtel Fenwick, Bordeaux's first American consulate, established in 1790 under George Washington
- Spot CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art, a 19th-century warehouse turned leading arts venue
- Learn about the history of french pastries and iconic wines
- Discover the Temple of Chartrons, where Protestants once held secret services in wine cellars
- Discover old market square with its local restaurants
- Spot or visit the oldest bakery of Bordeaux
- Admire Place Picard's small Statue of Liberty, designed by Bartholdi and restored after German forces removed it during World War II
- Learn about the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, housed in the former offices of Irish wine trader Francis Burke
- Spot the glass-and-steel Cité du Vin, Bordeaux's striking modern wine museum, from the riverfront
This tour gives you Chartrons as locals know it – full of history, character, and good places to stop along the way.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Bordeaux with Marina Cauchie
Hello!
I’m Marina, an independent local guide living in Bordeaux since 2018. I’m passionate about history, culture, art, and the people who have shaped this region over the centuries. I love helping my guests not just see a place, but really feel it — the stories, the little details, and the life behind the buildings and streets.
On my tours, I carefully choose the most interesting historical facts, fascinating events, and personal stories to make the city or region come alive. I’ll point out things you might never notice walking alone — a carved symbol above a door, a quiet street with a story, or a hidden square tucked away from the main avenues. These are the details that make history tangible and memorable.
Exploring with me is like walking with a local friend who knows the area inside and out. I love sharing not just history, but also the things that make this region special today — its world-famous wines, its delicious local cuisine, and its vibrant culture. From fresh market produce and artisanal cheeses to classic French dishes and desserts, I’ll show you why Bordeaux and its surroundings are a true foodie’s paradise.
Whether it’s wandering the charming streets of Bordeaux, discovering the nearby vineyards, or imagining life along the Atlantic coast, my goal is to spark your curiosity, keep you engaged, and help you see the region in a way that goes beyond the usual sights. If you leave inspired, smiling, and dreaming of your next visit, that is the best compliment I could ever receive.
I want you to feel comfortable, curious, and excited — like you’re exploring with a friend who loves sharing the secrets, flavors, and stories of this incredible region.
My tours are designed to leave you with memories, insights, and maybe even a craving to come back for more.
Save with Bordeaux audio tour passes
How do passes work?
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 23
Statue de la Liberté
It looks familiar, but this isn't a random souvenir. It was designed by the same sculpto...
View locations and route
How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
-
Place Lainé
-
CAPC Musée d'art Contemporain de Bordeaux
-
Rue Notre Dame
-
Place du Marché Chartrons
-
Place Picard
-
Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux
-
Hangar 14
-
Cité du Vin
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
-
Start locationPl. des Quinconces, 33000 Bordeaux, France
-
Total distance2km
-
Final location115 Quai des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux, France
-
Distance back to start location1km
Directions to Starting Point
Your tour begins on the Esplanade des Quinconces, beside the Rostral Columns and overlooking the river. Use the Directions button in the app to navigate directly to the starting point.
When you arrive, look for the two impressive Rostral Columns that mark the edge of the square near the waterfront. Behind them stretches the vast Esplanade des Quinconces, one of the largest public squares in Europe. From this spot, you should be able to see both the columns and the River Garonne.
To make sure you're in the right place, compare your surroundings with the photo displayed in the app. If you can see the Rostral Columns standing beside the river, you're ready to begin. Take a moment to orient yourself, find a safe place to stand, and start the first chapter of your tour.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Chartrons is a neighbourhood best explored at a leisurely pace, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop along the route.
Take time to wander along Rue Notre-Dame, one of the district's most charming streets. Here you'll find independent boutiques, antique dealers, specialty shops, cafés, and galleries that reflect the creative spirit of the neighbourhood.
One of the highlights is Place du Marché des Chartrons, a lively square lined with cafés, restaurants, and terraces. It's an ideal place to pause for a coffee, lunch, or simply to watch local life unfold.
The area is also home to several traditional wine merchants and tasting rooms, offering a glimpse into the trading heritage that made Chartrons famous. If you'd like to learn more about this history, consider stopping at the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, which explores Bordeaux's wine-trading past.
If you like modern art you can visit CAPS museum
Best time of day
This Chartrons tour can be enjoyed at any time of day. The neighbourhood has a unique character from morning to evening, and each time offers something different.
If you start in the morning, you'll find the area's cafés and bakeries coming to life, making it a great opportunity to pick up a coffee and pastry before you begin. During the afternoon, the streets are at their liveliest, with antique shops, boutiques, wine merchants, and galleries open for browsing. In the evening, the district takes on a relaxed atmosphere as locals gather in its bars, restaurants, and riverside terraces.
As you explore, you'll pass plenty of places to stop for a drink, a snack, or a leisurely meal, so feel free to take your time and enjoy the neighbourhood at your own pace. Whatever time you choose to visit, Chartrons rewards curiosity, with something interesting around almost every corner.
Precautions
This is an easy walking tour through the streets of Chartrons and along the waterfront. Most of the route follows pavements and pedestrian-friendly areas, but please stay aware of traffic when crossing roads and watch for cyclists, particularly near the riverfront.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you'll be on your feet for much of the tour. During warmer months, consider bringing a bottle of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as some sections offer limited shade. If rain is forecast, a light waterproof jacket or umbrella may be useful.
Chartrons is full of inviting cafés, bakeries, wine bars, and restaurants, so you may wish to bring a bank card or some cash if you'd like to stop along the way. Above all, take your time, follow local pedestrian signals, and enjoy exploring one of Bordeaux's most charming neighbourhoods.
Get The App
Get The App
Last Updated
Questions and Reviews
